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Last week, the USGA welcomed almost 100 P.J. Boatwright Jr. interns to the 35th annual Boatwright Summit. The summit is hosted at the USGA headquarters in New Jersey to give the interns a firsthand look at their operations. From undergraduate, graduate, collegiate athletes and even those new to golf, all the interns in attendance had the opportunity to learn more about golf administration. Two of our own interns, Gabby Dethrow and Emma Wyeth had the opportunity to attend.

Our interns were welcomed to the Summit with a look at the USGA Golf Museum. One of the highlights, which had interns stopped around the glass case, was seeing Rory McIlroy’s wedge he won the Masters with and achieved a grand slam. 

Then they attended dinner outside where several important speakers shared their advice to the interns. Daniel Magen, the Boatwright Internship Program Administrator, reminded interns, “Even after you leave here, think of us as a Resource.” We heard from Cindy Boatwright, P.J. Boatwright Jr.’s daughter, who described her dad as the “soul of the USGA” and spoke on how the P.J. Boatwright Internship came to be after his passing. Lastly, Tyler Riggins, one of the USGA’s Regional Affairs Directors, emphasized the importance to “lock those networks in.”

On the first full day, they started in the USGA’s auditorium to learn more about the history of Boatwright, and the background of some of Summit’s leaders for the week, including Magen, Riggins, and Kevin Purcell, the executive director for New Jersey Golf. Purcell inspired interns by reminding them they are “the boots on the ground” for the USGA. Afterwards the USGA’s Victoria Clawson and Jack Coffey taught interns all about championship administration which includes handling the USGA championships, customer service, the equipment, and the oversight of USGA Policies. 

Next Magen split up the interns into breakout sessions where they visited the USGA broadcast studio, got a look into their merch and marketing, learned about USGA partnerships and taught the importance of handicaps. They then were able to take professional headshots and take pictures with the U.S. Open Trophy outside of its usual glass case. Lines were long as interns were eager to get their picture taken. 

To cap off a day full of meeting interns from across the country, they had a friendly competition. First, they were tested to see who could set up the best first tee in under two minutes. Then they had the annual putting competition among the interns. While everyone was committed to winning the trophy to bring back to their association, Danielle Suh from the Southern California Golf Association won the competition, along with receiving a USGA giftcard. Finalists still received a USGA “golden ticket” for making it to the last round.

On the last day, they started earlier with a Boatwright alumni Panel where they heard from Will Luke, who is now the Operations Manager for New Jersey Golf, Jake Miller, who is now the Director of Regional Affairs and Thomas Pagel, who is now the USGA’s Chief Governance Officer. Miller gave advice, saying “It’s easy to just wait and do what you're told, but push forward and be the person who doesn’t have to be told what to do. That will push you ahead and get you more opportunities faster.” Pagel told them to “Be a sponge. Ask questions. And seek out mentors.” It was inspiring for our interns to see people successful in the golf business who started in the same place as them.

They were also inspired after hearing from several donors to the Boatwright Internship Program. Russ McLauchlan, Dr. John GP Boatwright Jr., and Dr. Michael Gallichio all spoke on the lasting impact golf has had on their lives as well as how to be a leader. McLauchlan told interns before you lead others, you need to know how to lead yourself. Boatwright, P.J. Boatwright’s cousin spoke on how “golf develops character and reveals character, but it also builds character.” Gallichio left a lasting impact on interns telling them, “I truly believe you learn more about people on the golf course than in any conference room.”

Shortly after, interns got an inside look about several updates coming to the GHIN app. They then heard from Scott Langley, the Senior Director of Player Experience. He cited specific things the USGA does for players to make them special while playing, such as customizing Bryson DeChambeau’s locker at the U.S. Open. They ended the speakers with Mary Kate Lynch and Torry Rees who spoke on the U.S. National Development Program, a program that aids in training, developing, and funding the nation's best junior golf players.

Magen then split the interns up for another round of breakout groups, but this time they were on the golf course. Interns had the privilege of visiting Watchung Valley where they learned hands-on about golf photography, picking hole locations, specific rulings and how to call them, and even how to test the greens with special tools. 

Dethrow and Wyeth had the best end to the Summit, hearing from the USGA CEO Mike Whan. He told them about his upbringing and what brought him to the USGA, as well as the lessons he learned along the way. He said the most important life skill is “Don’t fall prey to being the person everyone wants you to be” and also to “Be bold enough to do the things that make you uncomfortable.” 

Our interns who attended the Summit, Dethrow and Wyeth, want to thank the USGA staff, staff from other AGAs, donors and fellow interns who made the Boatwright Summit a trip to remember!